To understand the nature of leadership requires an understanding of the essence of power, for leadership is a special form of power. Power is the underlying force of all social exchange. Reflect on your current business and personal relationships. How does the implicit or explicit use of Power impact them?

In his latest book called Power, Jeffrey Pfeffer states that power is part of leadership and it is necessary to get things done. http://www.harpercollins.com/books/Power-Jeffrey-Pfeffer/?isbn=9780061789083. Informal leaders get things done primarily through power and influence. However, they have no formal position or authority that gives them that power. They earn their power.

Have you observed people in your community who have lots of power without any formal authority? How did they acquire it?